We spent one night with friends in Florence prior to boarding the ship. In a very un-Seabourn fashion, we took the train from Florence to Rome and Rome to Civitavecchia. Once in the (tiny) train station, Florida Keys Guy says to me "How do we get to the port from here?". In a moment of brilliance I pointed to a ship in port and said "It's right over there, we just stroll down the street". It did not end as badly as you might be thinking. We got to the entrance of the port, with a stop to buy some knock-off sunglasses, and there was an information booth where I learned of the shuttle bus to take us to the ship. A mere 10 minutes later we were aboard the Seabourn Spirit, champagne in hand (the champagne will be a recurring theme).

Once in the lounge waiting to check in, I went to get myself a glass of water. This is where I first learned "the Seabourn way". Grudgingly, the waiter at the water table let me put ice in my own glass. See, it is his job to do it for me. He did not, however, let me pour for myself. Since I live in a do-it-yourself world, it is really a treat to have people bring you things, do things for you and even take your plate from the buffet line (not that there is a line, mind you) to your table, which they have already scouted out for you. Life is good.

After about 2 glasses of champagne (which could not have been that long, as David is quick on the refill), we were checked in and given our ID cards. It is the photos from these ID cards that the staff use to learn the passengers names, and do quite a good job with it! On the last night of the ship one of the crew members greeted us by name with canapes in hand, and I had not seen him ever before. It was impressive to say the least. Read more